Auglaize County - St. Marys - Council-at-large

Each general election, The Lima News provides this section profiling the candidates and issues. The Lima News sent questionnaires to every candidate in Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Putnam and Van Wert counties for this election section. Candidates had the opportunity to give biographical information and discuss major issues in their races. Candidates also had an option to submit a photograph. Only names and residences identify candidates who did not return a questionnaire. St. Marys - Council-at-large (Three elected)Lyndella AndrewsParty: RepublicanResidence: Columbia Street, St. MarysAge: 64Relevant experience: Taught school full and part-time from 1969 to 1980, and then subbed. 10 years, or five terms, on St. Marys City Council. My fifth term was as council president.Education: B.A. in English (minor speech) for teaching sixth through 12 grades. Graduate from Bluffton College and four hours grad work at Bowling Green State University.Years living in area: Auglaize County: 40 years St. Marys: 35 yearsMajor issues: I believe that the issues which come before our city council should be openly discussed by the entire council where the citizens of St. Marys can hear and know what is going on. That means opening up the “issues” DURING regular council meetings, NOT just at private little committee meetings where three councilmen decide what the whole city council should hear and how the whole council should vote.I believe legislation should be read the regular three times before either passing it into law or voting it out. Emergency legislation ought to be an emergency. Suspending the rules should be the exception, not the norm. It should be done only when absolutely necessary. Indeed when issues are brought to council in a timely fashion there is no reason for most emergencies and suspensions of the rules.Also, when I was on council before, we worked closely with the State offices to keep the lake clean, the canal open and State grant money coming back to the city of St. Marys. Tax money gleaned from our own citizens should be brought back to our own community. We need to re-establish that dialogue between St. Marys and the State of Ohio.Equally important, I believe we need a more positive environment through which to encourage new businesses and industires to locate here. In an effort to establish more job opportunities, especially in this time of recession, a thorough review of the list of regulations imposed on candidates interested in locating here, must be undertaken.St. Marys is a great town. I loved being a part of the council before, and I hope that your vote will help to give me that opportunity again.Kristine CollinsParty: IndependentResidence: North Walnut Street, St. MarysAge: 64Relevant experience: Eight years on St. Marys council in the 1980s and ’90s; retired from Auglaize County Auditor’s Office.Education: St. Marys Memorial High School; some college.Years living in area: All my life (64 years).Major issues: I grew up and raised my children in St. Marys, and I want St. Marys to continue to be a great small city. I want the city to move into the future with a good financial base.The city should continue to make sure the utilities, streets, police and fire are in good, working order and always updated. We have to work with large and small businesses in the area and encourage new businesses.St. Marys is my hometown, and I want the city to be the best it can be.Robert J. “Bob” FitzgeraldParty: RepublicanResidence: Fenway Court, St. MarysAge: 46Relevant experience: Community involvement through multiple groups and organizations including Kiwanis, school advisory committee and church.Education: St. Marys Memorial High School, graduate; B.A. from the University of FindlayYears living in area: 36Major issues: Parks improvement. Community development. Planning for future. Being fiscally sound with decisions. To continue to improve communication lines between the city and community.Ronald E. Ginter (incumbent)Party: IndependentResidence: Lake Avenue, St. MarysAge: 81Relevant experience: 18 years on council.Education: High school.Years living in area: 58 yearsMajor issues: St. Marys is going in the right direction, and I would like to help keep it that way.James J. Harris (incumbent)Party: RepublicanResidence: Concord Avenue, St. MarysAge: 58Major issues: Our work at improving the city is now paying off! With our street program, the canal improvements and numerous projects throughout the city, St. Marys has become a destination for businesses and shoppers alike. Kroger has become a draw, with JT’s doing very well, serving great food. Kohls has just opened, and Tractor Supply Co. is getting ready to open shortly. BW3’s and Beer Barrel will open soon, and we are working with other businesses to locate here.The quality of life in St. Marys is good, but we need to maintain an open mindedness to take advantage of opportunities to better our situation.

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